Beers, Bikes, and Barges- Thursday evenings, June 25th-September 10th

The Erie Canal Museum has teamed up with cultural sites and breweries across the state to develop a summer long cycling series along the Erie Canal titled “Beers, Bikes, and Barges.” The goal of this series is to showcase the Erie Canal’s diverse history, the Empire State Trail, and the unique breweries that are found throughout the state. Each event in the series will occur on Thursdays at 6pm and will consist of an approximately 60-90 minute guided cycling tour of that week’s highlighted community followed by a drink at the partner brewery or bar. The first drink will be covered as part of a $25/$20 for members registration fee that will also provide a donation to the Erie Canal Museum and that week’s partnering cultural organization. Helmets are required.

June 25- Fairport

Join the Fairport Perinton Partnership, the Perinton Town Historian, and the Erie Canal Museum for an exciting 90-minute bike tour along the scenic Erie Canal in Fairport! As you roll past landmarks like the recently renovated historic lift bridge and the path where the Old Erie once flowed, you’ll hear stories that bring the past to life! Your adventure begins and ends at Donnelly’s Pub, where you’ll be treated to a beer included in your ticket price.

July 23- Fort Plain

Join the Montgomery County Department of History & Archives, Visit Montgomery County NY , and the Erie Canal Museum for this 90-minute cycling tour through Montgomery County learning about Revolutionary War, Underground Railroad and Erie Canal history in the villages of Canajoharie and Fort Plain. The ride begins and ends at Erie Canal Distillers, where you will be treated to a beverage as part of your ride!

August 13- Syracuse

Join the Erie Canal Museum and Talking Cursive Brewing Company for this 90 minute cycling tour through Syracuse looking at its unique brewing and Canal history, including Greenway’s Brewing, which once occupied the same site as Talking Cursive today! The ride begins at the Erie Canal Museum and ends at Talking Cursive, right down the street, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride as well as a brief history of the brewery itself.

September 10- Albany

Join the Historic Albany Foundation, Discover Albany, and the Erie Canal Museum for this 90 minute cycling tour through Albany looking at the city’s Erie Canal and brewing history. See sites like the location of the enormous John Taylor and Sons Brewery and Lock #1 on the Old Erie. The ride begins and ends at Common Roots Brewing Company, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride.

The Erie Canal Museum’s summer programs made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

We thank our community sponsors for their support of our cycling programs: